The Colorado Avalanche have brought in Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, infusing fresh energy into Jared Bednar's coaching team. Hakstol, formerly at the helm of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken, recently led the Kraken to a surprising playoff victory over the Avalanche. With his rich coaching background, including a notable tenure at the University of North Dakota, he is expected to elevate Colorado's performance, particularly on the power play.

Hakstol's experience, including a Jack Adams Award nomination, highlights his ability to optimize talent. As he takes over from Ray Bennett, who was let go after the Avalanche's playoff exit, the Avalanche look to leverage their robust roster, including the recent acquisition of Brent Burns. The coaching staff anticipates a dynamic approach to power-play strategies, especially considering the caliber of players like Cale Makar and Devon Toews on the roster.

The Montreal Canadiens are eyeing a potentially game-changing addition as they seek another forward, with Evgeny Kuznetsov emerging as a leading candidate. The talented center, previously a stalwart for the Washington Capitals, spent the 2023-24 season in Russia's KHL, where he showcased his skills with 37 points for SKA St. Petersburg. After terminating his four-year agreement in April, Kuznetsov, 33, is positioned for an NHL comeback, having previously recorded 568 points over 723 games with the Capitals, including a Stanley Cup victory.

Kuznetsov's return could fill multiple roles for the Canadiens, who could greatly benefit from his 402 assists and 173 goals. His experience and offensive prowess might resonate well with a team looking to return to playoff contention. While Montreal might be a fitting destination, the market will likely feature numerous suitors eager for his services, especially considering his playoff experience and past performance.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are displaying interest in forward Jack Roslovic, a player who has previously teamed up with Auston Matthews during their time at the U.S. national development team, creating a potential synergy that could benefit the Leafs’ lineup. With Roslovic being a right-hand shot and a seasoned player, the connection with Matthews is promising. However, the Leafs face salary cap challenges that may complicate this potential acquisition.

Meanwhile, their pursuit of Andrew Mangiapane ended unfavorably as the forward opted to join the Edmonton Oilers. Reports suggest Mangiapane preferred a quicker resolution to his free agency rather than waiting for the Maple Leafs to clear cap space. The Leafs might have to consider shedding contracts like David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok to make room for Roslovic, depending on how negotiations progress with interested teams like the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres.

The NHL offseason has been a frenetic period of roster reshuffling, with teams navigating the draft, trades, and free agency in just 10 days. The Florida Panthers have emerged as big winners, maintaining their core while securing key additions like Jeff Petry and Daniil Tarasov, positioning them for another deep playoff run. The Anaheim Ducks also excelled, acquiring Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, which enhances their youthful roster, while shedding salary by trading John Gibson and Trevor Zegras. In St. Louis, GM Doug Armstrong made strategic moves that bolster the Blues’ depth, adding experienced players while moving on from Zach Bolduc.

Other teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, are poised to capitalize on their offseason moves, making significant additions like Nikolaj Ehlers and Noah Dobson, respectively. The offseason grades reflect a clear distinction in team strategies, with teams like the Ducks and Panthers receiving high marks for their aggressive and savvy maneuvers, while others like the Toronto Maple Leafs face criticism for failing to adequately replace star players lost to free agency. It’s clear; these moves will shape the competitive landscape as teams gear up for the upcoming season.

In a strategic move, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775,000 for the NHL level, ensuring a minimum guarantee of $600,000. Jost, known for his versatility and work ethic, contributed significantly during his 39 games with the Hurricanes last season, scoring four goals and five assists. He also made an impact in the AHL, adding to his career totals of 149 points across 495 NHL games.

Jost, a first-round pick from the 2016 NHL Draft, has shown potential to play various roles, showcasing adaptability that teams covet. His previous experience with organizations like the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres positions him as a valuable asset when building depth for the Hurricanes' roster.